What is GERD?

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition caused by acid that escapes from the stomach. It is estimated that 10 to 15% of the adult population suffers from GERD every day.

GERD symptoms include:

A burning feeling in the chest

Belching

Pain in the upper abdomen

Worsening of the above symptoms when bending over or lying down

Chronic cough and hoarseness

GERD Treatment Options

EsophyX Offered to Help Patients with GERD

Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge offers an incisionless surgical treatment called EsophyX TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) for regular heartburn. EsophyX TIF is a surgical procedure performed through the mouth, which reconstructs the barrier between the stomach and esophagus to prevent stomach fluids from refluxing up into the esophagus. EsophyX TIF is completely incisionless so it has less risk, reduced recovery time and no visible scar.

While under anesthesia the flexible EsophyX device is gently lowered through the mouth into the stomach under the visualization of an endoscope "video" placed down the shaft of the device. Once inside the stomach, the surgeon manipulates the device to create a tight sealing valve and hold it in place with suture-like fasteners.

Most patients return to work the next day or within a few days following their EsophyX TIF procedure. Patients will likely experience some manageable discomfort in their chest, nose, throat and stomach for the first few days to a week. Patients will be asked to restrict physical activity for the first week and will be given dietary guidelines to help maximize their success while their new anti-reflux valve heals.

Recent studies have shown that TIF patients reported 80% improvement in quality of life, significantly improved satisfaction and reduction/elimination of heartburn symptoms. All patients discontinued medication after the TIF procedure and 79% were still completely off daily medication two years after the procedure.

For more information on the EsophyX procedure contact us at 225-754-5023.

LINX® Procedure offered to treat acid reflux

In 2019, St. Bernard Parish Hospital (SBPH) performed the Greater New Orleans area’s first procedure using the LINX® Reflux Management System, which is a permanent, drug-free treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).* The procedure helps patients suffering from GERD experience a better quality of life and experience relief without needing daily medication.

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We are one of the country’s largest non-university based academic medical centers.

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